14. Single-purpose slow cookers are a thing of the past. Soon to debut: models that braise beef, simmer soup, whip up Baked Alaska and fold laundry.

15. Probiotic sales have flatlined due to a lack of celebrity endorsements. In the new year, look for JWOWW Probiotics, which the Jersey Shore star promises will boost immunity while imparting a savage tan.

16. In addition to products that are gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut-free and soy-free, expect to see more packaged foods that are now food-free. Cup O’ Noodles, for example, will have only one ingredient: Cup.

17. Trend stories like this one will dominate newspapers, magazines and websites for another week, and then we’ll move on to the Next Big Thing: how to get the iPhone’s new Siri to cook us a tasty, healthful meal in under 40 seconds.

Cheryl Sternman Rule is the author of Ripe: A Fresh, Colorful Approach to Fruits and Vegetables (Running Press), which comes out in April. She also writes the blog 5 Second Rule (5secondrule.typepad.com).